Returntrains from Stoke Newington Overground go to Liverpool Street or to Enfield Town or Cheshunt. Manor House is served by the Piccadilly Line.

Woodberry Wetlands is a Thames Water-owned and London Wildlife Trust-run urban nature reserve on East Reservoir, one of the two Stoke Newington reservoirs on the New River (which – famously – is “neither new nor a river”). The reservoirs were built in 1833 to hold water from the New River, a man-made canal supplying drinking water to London from springs near Ware in Hertfordshire. The reservoir had been off-limits to the public for more than 180 years until 2016, when Woodberry Wetlands and its fantastic café in the former coal house opened.

The route starts with a meander through Finsbury Park before entering the Wetlands and then continues along the New River past the West Reservoir to Green Lanes, to then lead south, then east through Clissold Park (and its café in Clissold House) and along the very charming Stoke Newington Church Street to Abney Park cemetery (one of the most splendid and enlightened of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ London garden cemeteries) and from there to Stoke Newington Overground.

An Alternative Finish goes north from the West Reservoir along Green Lanes back to Manor House Underground (or even back to Finsbury Park Station, this adds 1.4 km)

Delightful stroll through some parts of London unfamiliar to me, with much wildlife, including nesting birds. I strolled along, taking many pics, and getting left behind by 10yds for every shot but enjoyed the walk in the way I like smells, views, bird songs, pauses for the views and was amazed by the astonishing Abney Cemetery at the end. Super walk directions thank you, with extra nudges to see less obvious points. Here are the flickr pics taken on my leisurely strollhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/ramblinros/albums/72157684321053256

Karen, 29-May-17

17sunny initially becoming overcast and muggy

17 walkers started out on this exploration in North London, 16 departing at the posted time and 1 playing catch up (but who managed to overtake the group without noticing them, or they noticing her). A pleasant stroll through a bustling Finsbury Park, surprisingly peaceful Woodberry Wetlands, busy Clissold Park, and atmospheric Abney Park cemetery. We paused at the Coal House in the Woodberry Wetlands where some had refreshments and 2 stayed on. Another walker was tempted into Clissod Park Cafe. Near the end of the walk, Church Street in Stoke Newington is an impressive stretch of independent eateries and shops a refreshing change from the usual chain packed high street. 7 were tempted to return at the end of the walk and ate and drank well in one such establishment, before going their separate ways at 17:00ish. A nice introduction for those who haven't spent much time in this part of North London.